Nathan Cross

Personal Finance Writer

Nathan Cross is a personal finance writer and certified financial educator based in Denver, Colorado. With eight years of experience covering budgeting, investing, credit building, and debt management, he has helped thousands of readers make smarter money decisions. Nathan reviews every guide against primary sources including IRS publications, SEC filings, and CFPB resources, and updates content quarterly to reflect rate changes and policy shifts. Before writing about finance full-time, he worked as a financial planning associate at a registered investment advisory firm.

Articles by Nathan Cross

Effect of closing a credit card on credit score

Credit and Debt

What Happens to Your Credit Score When You Close a Card?

Closing a credit card can temporarily lower your FICO score by raising your credit utilization ratio and reducing…

Nov 3, 2026

Investing

Is a Roth IRA Worth It If You Already Have a 401(k)?

Yes, opening a Roth IRA alongside a 401(k) is one of the best moves in personal finance. The…

Oct 30, 2026

Steps to stop living paycheck to paycheck

Budgeting

How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck

Stop living paycheck to paycheck by building a one-month buffer: save enough to pay this month’s bills with…

Oct 27, 2026

Tax deductions for self-employed freelancers

Taxes and Insurance

Tax Deductions for Freelancers and Self-Employed Workers

Freelancers and self-employed workers can deduct business expenses including the home office ($5 per square foot, up to…

Oct 23, 2026

Building an emergency fund while paying off debt

Saving

How to Build an Emergency Fund When You Have Debt

Start with a $1,000 starter emergency fund before aggressively paying down debt. This small buffer prevents new debt…

Oct 20, 2026

Credit score needed to rent an apartment

Credit and Debt

What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent an Apartment?

Most landlords require a credit score of 620 to 680 to approve a rental application, though luxury apartments…

Oct 16, 2026

Investing

Pay Off Your Mortgage or Invest? How to Decide

If your mortgage interest rate is below 5%, investing the extra money in a low-cost index fund is…

Oct 13, 2026

Budgeting

How to Budget as a Couple With Different Incomes

The most practical way for a couple with different incomes to budget together is the proportional split method.…

Oct 9, 2026

Taxes and Insurance

Estimated Quarterly Taxes for Freelancers: A Complete Guide

Freelancers must pay estimated quarterly taxes four times per year using Form 1040-ES. The IRS expects payment by…

Oct 6, 2026

Save for a house down payment progress tracker

Saving

How to Save for a House Down Payment in 2 Years

To save for a house down payment in two years, calculate your target based on home price and…

Oct 2, 2026